You can climb aboard subs and choppers in latest perk from luxe cruise lines

By Rosemary McClure

Oct 03, 2018 | 5:00 AM

The Scenic Eclipse ship, shown here in a rendering, will have both helicopters and subs when it launches in January. (Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours)

You might not expect to be whirling across the sky in a helicopter — or diving deep into the sea in a submarine — when you embark on a sea voyage, but the world's small-ship cruise lines are springing some surprises on their well-heeled guests.

The line says its new toys will offer guests a unique opportunity to go above and beyond.

Among other lines that have announced they will carry subs and helicopters is Crystal Yachts, which plans to have both on its luxury expedition yacht Endeavor, scheduled to launch in 2020.

Ponant, a French line, has a new ship called Le Laperouse, that offers an amenity that's not quite a submarine, but close: It's a below-waterline lounge called "The Blue Eye" that gives passengers a view of the ocean depths through large windows.

Scenic's sub is the real deal, with the capability of diving to nearly 1,000 feet. It will have an acrylic hull, making panoramic viewing possible, and will carry up to six passengers.

Seats are mounted on a platform that swivels 180 degrees, and bright exterior lights will allow passengers to see details of wrecks and other underwater sights.

The submersibles are able to make eight to 12 dives daily, according to Glen Moroney, Scenic's CEO, and have pressurized cabins that allow speedy descents and ascents.

Scenic's helicopters will have five cameras on their interiors and exteriors to provide footage of the flights for guests and a Bluetooth audio system.

Scenic, an Australian company, has two river cruise lines — Scenic and Emerald Waterways. Scenic Eclipse will be its first Discovery Yacht, a 550-foot, high-end cruise ship. A similar Discovery Yacht is under construction to bring the fleet to two.

In its inaugural year, Eclipse will cruise in Europe, the United States and South America, among other destinations. Rates for a five-day cruise from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro start at $3,795 per person, double occupancy. Rates for a 10-day cruise from New York City to Nassau, Bahamas, starts at $6,995 per person, double occupancy.